'Lopes Play to Tie in Home Opener

Friday, September 27

Phoenix, AZ

7 p.m.

Grand Canyon

CSU Bakersfield

Jessica Lincoln

Photo by: David Patton

9/27/2013 9:48:00 PM | Women's Soccer

Return to GCU Soccer Field for 1 p.m. game Sunday

The Grand Canyon University women's soccer team (1-7-1, 0-2-1) played to a 1-1 tie in their 2013 home opener against CSU Bakersfield (1-8-1, 0-2-1) tonight on GCU Soccer Field in Phoenix, Ariz. It was the first Division I game played on the home field for the Antelope women's soccer program as they opened this season with eight consecutive road games.

GCU keeper Cat Lena was busy at the net, collecting five saves throughout the 110 minute contest, although the 'Lopes defense did not allow a Roadrunners shot on target in the two overtime periods.

For the game, the 'Lopes outshot Bakersfield (18-11) and held the advantage in shots on goal (10-7).

"I thought the girls played very well tonight," said head coach Stevie Gill. "They got the ball down and created some excellent chances. It was great playing in front of our own fans on a beautiful night and great atmosphere here at GCU after being away for so long."

The Roadrunners scored the lone goal of the first half in the 15^th minute, when a shot by Erica Shelton was saved by Lena and Alex Bachman kicked the rebound into the back of the net.

GCU held the advantage in shots in the first 45 minutes, 7-4, although each of Bakersfield's goals were on target. The 'Lopes had their best shot of the half in the 40^th minute, when Jessica Lincoln's attempt was saved by a Roadrunners player.

GCU came out firing in the second half, taking a bevy of shots before the 'Lopes offensive pressure resulted in an own goal to knot the score at one in the 75^th minute. Neither team would score for the remainder of regulation and GCU accounted for the only three shots taken in the overtime periods. Bakersfield keeper Tori Ornela picked up two saves in the final 20 minutes and finished with seven overall.

Cassie Beckwith led the offensive effort with five shots, two of which were on goal, while Lincoln placed three of her four shots on target. Jessica Fitzgerald also had two shots on goal in the game.

"I thought our back four was solid and our wingers did a great job getting in behind the Bakersfield outside backs," added Gill. We look forward to the game on Sunday and push forward for a win at home."

GCU will be back in action on GCU Soccer Field on Sunday at 1 p.m. when they welcome Utah Valley for a WAC contest. Fans can follow the action via live video and stats by visiting www.gculopes.com.

GCU 1, CSUB 1 2OT